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Constitution Day swearing in ceremony stressed citizens’ responsibility
BENJAMIN WHITE
Associate Editor
Published: September 21, 2012
Though he arrived late and somewhat ruffled after mistakenly going to the Ocasek building, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic quickly returned to form as he offered perspective to 50 soon-to-be U.S. citizens at the Akron Public Library’s main branch last Friday.
“Sometimes I wish that we could put those individuals throughout our country who were born here and take for granted that they’re citizens through a small process to figure out clearly for them what it means to be a citizen of the United States,” he said. “And to appreciate it as much as many of these individuals who are here in the room.”
At the city’s 26th consecutive celebration to swear in new citizens and recognize Constitution Day, responsibility remained the running theme.
Though she has lived in the United States with her husband, Dinesh, for nine years, Sripriya Doss Kolakalur, a 34 year-old doctor at Akron General Hospital, seemed excited to finally complete her transition from India to the United States.
“I want to register to vote,” Sripriya said, holding a small American flag and copy of the Constitution. “I’m about to go register right now.”
Dinesh, an IT consultant for IBM, took his oath last month.
Retired judge and master of ceremonies Ted Schneiderman led a service that featured remarks by several local leaders.
Summit County Commissioner Russ Pry, who has participated in the event for the past five years, spoke about his passion for immigration law, which he practiced before his political career. John C. Weisensell, president of the Akron Bar Association, drew a parallel between his childhood as an adopted son and the experience of American immigrants. Both attorneys stressed the importance of the work inherent to American citizenship and the responsibility of educating oneself in an election year.
Judge John Adams of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio swore in the 50 immigrants from 26 countries who ranged widely in age and dress.
A youth choir from the ETC School of Musical Arts and the Akron Police Honor Guard contributed to the ceremony, which seemed to be a joy for Kim Adams, the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services field office director.
“Constitution Day is a celebration of a document that never grows old,” she said. “You can never let your duty of citizenship grow old, and more importantly, never let the open arms of the is country close.”